GB2616244A

GB2616244A - Brick slip, method of manufacturing a brick slip, and brick slip assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2616244A
Application number: GB2117419.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Coyle Sean
Original assignee: Masonry Support Systems Ltd
Current assignee: Masonry Support Systems Ltd
Priority date: 2021-12-02
Filing date: 2021-12-02
Publication date: 2023-09-06
Also published as: GB202117419D0; GB202214993D0

Abstract

The brick slip 100 comprises a front face 102, a rear face 104 vertically separated from the front face 102 and sides 106, 108, (110, 112 figure 1a) extending between the front face 102 and the rear face 104. A first of the sides 106 defines a tongue 114. The tongue 114 may be adapted to engage a recess of a further brick slip. The tongue 114 may have a different colour to the front face 102 so as to resemble the appearance of mortar. The brick slip 100 may be extruded such as in a co-extrusion process.

Description

BRICK SLIP, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A BRICK SLIP, AND BRICK SLIP ASSEMBLY The present disclosure is directed towards a brick slip, method of manufacturing a brick slip, and brick slip assembly The brick slip may be incorporated into a brick slip panel.

BACKGROUND

It is known to clad interior or exterior walls with brick slips. Such brick slips are used where it is not structurally necessary to use bricks yet a "brick" finish is desired for decorative of aesthetic reasons. Brick slips can be formed by obtaining a thin slice from an outer face of a brick. Brick slips can also be formed by extruding material into the desired brick slip shape. Brick slips are not required to be made from brick and can be made from other materials such as concrete, clay, masonry or a composite material.

Brick slips are typically attached to panels or other forms of backing layer. The brick slips are generally required to be precisely positioned to form a desired "brick-like" appearance of ordered rows of slip courses with joint gaps formed between adjacent brick slips and adjacent slip courses. The joint gaps are then typically filled in or pointed with mortar to form a desired final appearance that resembles a real brick wall. The panel can then be mounted on a building structure to form at least a portion of an outer wall or inner wall of a building structure.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved brick slip construction that facilitates the positioning of brick slips on a backing layer.

SUMMARY

There is provided a brick slip, method of manufacturing a brick slip, kit, brick slip assembly and method of manufacturing the same as set out in the accompanying claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a brick slip comprising a front face, a rear face vertically separated from the front face and sides extending between the front face and the rear face. The first of the sides defines a tongue.

Advantageously, a first side of the brick slip defines a tongue that projects away from the front face. The tongue facilitates in the alignment of adjacent brick slips. The tongue may slot into a recess formed in an adjacent brick slip or abut against an adjacent brick slip so that the brick slips are aligned with one another. The tongue may define a separation between the adjacent brick slips that corresponds to the desired dimensions of a joint gap between the brick slips.

The tongue may have a different appearance to the front face. The tongue may have a different colour to the front face. The front face may have an appearance that resembles brick. The front face may be for example brick coloured and/or have a brick-like texture. The tongue may be coloured to resemble mortar. In this way, the tongue can form the desired appearance of mortar between adjacent brick slips.

The brick slip construction avoids the need for mortar to be filled or pointed in joint gaps between brick slips when assembled on a backing layer.

The tongue may be vertically offset from the front face. The tongue may be vertically offset from the rear face. The tongue may be provided between the front face and the rear face and spaced apart from the front face and the rear face.

The tongue may be adapted to engage a recess of a further brick slip. Engage may refer to direct engagement with the recess of the further brick slip. This may mean that there is physical contact between the tongue and the further brick slip. The brick slip is able to interconnect with a further brick slip using a tongue and groove arrangement. This may form a secure coupling between brick slips. The brick slip may therefore be an interlocking brick slip. The tongue may form at least part of an interlocking mechanism for the brick slip.

A second of the sides may define a recess. The recess may be vertically offset from the front face. The recess may be vertically offset from the rear face. The recess may be bounded by the front face and the rear face. That is, the recess may be provided between the front face and the rear face and the front face and the rear face may overlap the recess.

The recess may be adapted to engage a tongue of a further brick slip. . Engage may refer to direct engagement with the recess of the further brick slip. This may mean that there is physical contact between the tongue and the further brick slip. The brick slip is able to interconnect with a further brick slip using a tongue and groove arrangement. This may form a secure coupling between brick slips.

The depth of the recess may be less than the depth of the tongue. That is, the tongue may extend outwardly by a greater extent than the recess extends inwardly. When the tongue is received within the recess of a further brick slip, the tongue is not fully received within the recess and is not fully covered by the front face of the further brick slip. Part of the tongue is therefore visible in the brick slip assembly. The tongue can therefore form a visible joint gap between the brick slips. This is advantageous particularly when the tongue is coloured to resemble mortar as it means that a visible joint gap that appears like mortar is provided without requiring mortar to be filled or pointed into the joint gap between adjacent brick slips.

The second side may oppose the first side which defines the tongue.

The recess may be aligned with the tongue. This is beneficial in enabling similar brick slips to be coupled together.

A third of the skies may define a tongue. The third side may be adjacent to the first side. Advantageously, tongues may extend along two sides of the brick sup. This facilitates the alignment of brick slips along a slip course and between adjacent slip courses. The tongues may interconnect with brick slips along the slip course and between adjacent slip courses. The tongues may define joint gaps in the slip course and between adjacent slip courses.

A fourth of the sides may define a recess. The fourth side may oppose the third side. Advantageously, recesses may extend along two sides of the brick slips. This facilitates the alignment of brick slips along a slip course and between adjacent slip courses. The recesses may interconnect with brick slips along the slip course and between adjacent slip courses.

The brick slip may be formed from one or a combination of brick, masonry, concrete, clay o f" a composite material.

The brick slip may be an extruded brick slip. The brick slip may comprise a first part and a second part. The first part may be attached to the second part. The first part may comprise at least the front face. The second part may comprise at least the tongue. The first part may have a different colour to the second part.

The brick slip may be co-extruded using two different materials. A first of the materials may form a first part of the brick slip. A second of the materials may form a second part of the brick slip. The first part may comprise at least the front face. The second part may comprise at least the tongue. The first and second materials may have different colours.

The front face and rear face may be vertically separated by a distance of 40 mm or less. In other words, the brick slip has a thickness of 40 mm or less. The front face and rear face may be vertically separated by a distance of 30 mm or less. The front face and rear face may be vertically separated by a distance of 25 mm or less. The front face and rear face may be vertically separated by a distance of at least 10 mm. The front face may be vertically separated by a distance of at least 20 mm.

The tongue(s) may project away from the front face by a distance of at least 5 mm. The tongue(s) may project away from the front face by a distance of at least 10 mm. The tongue(s) may project away from the front face by a distance of at least 15 mm. The tongue(s) may project away from the front race by a distance of 25 mm or less. The tongue(s) may project away from the front face by a distance of 20 mm or less.

The recess or recesses may extend inward by a distance of at least 2 mm. The recess or recesses may extend inward by a distance of at least 3 mm. The recess or recesses may extend inward by a distance of at least 4 mm. The recess or recesses may extend inward by a distance of at least 5 mm. The recess or recesses may extend inward by a distance of 10 mm or less. The recess or recesses may extend inward by a distance of 7 mm or less The brick slip may have a length of at least 150 mm. The brick slip may have a length of at least 200 mm. The brick slip may have a length of at least 215 mm. The brick slip may have a length of at least 230 mm. The brick slip may have a length of 400 mm or less. The brick slip may have a length of 300 mm or less. The brick slip may have a length of 250 mm or less. The brick slip may have a length of 240 mm or less The brick slip may have a width of at least 50 mm. The brick slip may have a width of at least 60 mm.

The brick slip may have a width of at least 70 mm. The brick slip may have a width of at least 75 mm.

The brick slip may have a width of at least 80 mm. The brick slip may have a width of 100 mm or less. The brick slip may have a width of 90 mm or less.

The tongue(s) may be vertically offset from the rear face by a distance of at least 4 mm. The tongue(s) may be vertically offset from the rear face by a distance of at least 5 aim. The tongue(s) may be vertically offset from the rear face by a distance of at least 6 mm. The tongue(s) may be vertically offset from the rear face by a distance of at least 7 mm. The tongue(s) may be vertically offset from the rear face by a distance of 10 mm or less. The tongue(s) may be vertically offset from the rear face by a distance of 8 mm or less The tongue(s) may be vertically offset from the front face by a distance of at least 4 mm. The tongue(s) may be vertically offset from the front face by a distance of at least 5 mm. The tongue(s) may be vertically offset from the front face by a distance of at least 6 mm. The tongue(s) may be vertically offset from the front face by a distance of 10 mm or less. The tongue(s) may be vertically offset from the front face by a distance of 8 mm or less. The tongue(s) may be vertically offset from the front face by a distance of 7 mm or less.

The tongue(s) may be vertically offset from the rear face by a greater distance than the distance by which the recess or recesses are vertically offset from the rear face. The recess or recesses may be vertically offset from the front face by the same distance as tongue(s) According to a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of manufacturing a brick slip. The method comprises delivering material through at least one die to form a brick slip comprising a front face, a rear face vertically separated from the front face and sides extending between the front face and the rear face, wherein a first of the sides defines a tongue.

Delivering material through at least one die may comprise: delivering a first material through a first die to form a first part of the brick slip, wherein the first part of the brick slip comprises at least the front face of the brick slip: and delivering a second material through a first die to form a second pad of the brick sup, wherein the second part of the brick slip comprises at least the tongue.

The method may further comprise attaching the first part of the brick slip to the second part of the brick slip.

Delivering material through at least one die may comprise: simultaneous delivering a first material and a second material through a single die to form the brick slip, wherein the first material forms at least a front face of the brick slip and the second material forms at least the tongue of the brick slip. The brick slip may therefore be formed in one-piece using co-extrusion.

According to a third aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a kit of pads. The kit comprises a first brick slip. The first brick slip comprises a front face, a rear face vertically separated from the front face and sides extending between the front face and the rear face, wherein a first of the sides defines a tongue. The kit comprises a second brick slip. The second brick slip comprises a front face, a rear face vertically separated from the front face and sides extending between the front face and the rear face,

S

wherein a second of the sides defines a recess. The tongue of the first brick slip is arranged to engage recesswith the of the second brick slip Advantageously, the tongue of the first brick slip is arranged to engage with the recess of the second brick slip to interlock the first brick slip and the second brick slip together. Engage may mean directly engage such as to form an interlock between brick slips. This may mean that there is physical contact between the tongue and the further brick slip.

According to a fourth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a brick slip assembly. The assembly comprises a first brick slip comprising a tongue extending out from a first side of the brick slip. The assembly comprises a second brick slip comprising a recess extending inward from a second side of the second brick slip. The tongue of the first brick slip engages with the recess of the second brick slip.

Advantageously, the tongue of the first brick slip is arranged to engage with the recess of the second brick slip to interlock the first brick slip and the second brick slip together. Engage may mean directly engage such as to form an interlock between brick slips. This may mean that there is physical contact between the tongue and the further brick slip.

The first brick slip may comprise a recess extending inward from a second side of the first brick slip. The second side may oppose the first side of the first brick slip. The brick slip assembly may comprise a third brick slip. The third brick slip may comprise a tongue extending from a first side of the third brick slip. The tongue of the third brick slip engages with the recess of the first brick slip.

The first brick slip may comprise a (second) tongue extending out from a third side of the first brick slip. The third side may be adjacent to the first side of the first brick slip. The brick slip assembly may comprise a fourth brick slip. The fourth brick slip may comprise a recess extending inward from a fourth side of the fourth brick slip. The second tongue of the first brick slip engages with the recess of the fourth brick slip.

The first brick slip may comprise a (second) recess extending inward from a fourth side of the first brick slip. The second side may oppose the third side of the first brick slip. The brick slip assembly may comprise a fifth brick slip. The fifth brick slip may comprise a tongue extending from a third side of the fifth brick slip. The tongue of the fifth brick slip engages with the second recess of the first brick slip.

The brick slip assembly may comprise a backing layer such as a panel. The first brick slip and the second brick slip may be mounted on the backing layer such that rear faces of the first and second brick slips face the backing layer.

According to a fifth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of manufacturing a brick slip assembly. The method comprises engaging a tongue extending out from a first side of a first brick slip with a recess of a second brick slip. The method may comprise engaging a recess extending inward from a second side of the first brick slip with a tongue extending out from a first side of a third brick slip.

Engage may mean directly engage such as to form an interlock between brick slips. This may mean that there is physical contact between the tongue and the further brick slip The method may further comprise attaching the brick slips to a backing layer such as a panel.

The method may comprise engaging a tongue extending out from a third side of the first brick slip with a recess of a fourth brick slip. The method may comprise engaging a recess extending inward from a fourth side of the first brick slip with a tongue extending out from a first side of a fifth brick slip.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1A to 1C show views of an example brick slip according to aspects of the present disclosure; Figures 2A to 2C show views of an example brick slip according to aspects of the present disclosure; Figures 3A to 3C show views of an example brick slip according to aspects of the present disclosure; Figures 4A to 4C show views of an example brick slip according to aspects of the present disclosure; Figures 5A to 5C show views of an example brick slip according to aspects of the present disclosure; Figures 6A and 6B show views of an example brick slip assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure; and Figures 7A and 7B show views an example brick slip assembly according to aspects of the present

disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

It is to be understood that the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Referring to Figures 1A to 1C, there is shown a brick slip 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 1A shows a plan view of the brick slip 100 along the X-Y plane. Figure 1B shows a sectional view of the brick slip 100 along the Y-Z plane. Figure 10 shows a sectional view of the brick slip 100 along the X-Z plane.

The brick slip 100 comprises a front face 102. The front face 102 is generally planar and extends in the X-Y plane. The front face 102 has a decorative appearance and may be referred to as the decorative face of the brick slip 100. The front face 102 may have an appearance (such as due to the colour and/or texture) that is reminiscent of brick. The front face 102 is designed to face away from the material that the brick slip 100 is attached to in use such that the front face 102 forms a visible face of the brick slip In The front face 102 is rectangular in this example but could also be square in shape.

The brick slip 100 comprises a rear face 104. The rear face 104 is generally planar and extends in the X-Y plane. The rear face 104 is designed to face towards the backing layer that the brick slip 100 is attached to in use such that the rear face 104 forms a hidden face of the brick slip 100.

The rear face 104 is rectangular in this example but could also be square in shape. The rear face 104 is of similar size to the front face 102 in the X-Y plane and overlaps with the front face 102 in the X-Y plane.

The front face 102 and the rear face 104 are vertically separated from one another in the Z-axis. The vertical separation generally defines the thickness of the brick slip 100. The thickness of the brick slip 100 is typically less than the width of the brick slip 100 (along the X-axis) or the length of the brick slip 100 (along the Y-axis). in some examples, projections may extend from the rear face 104 of the brick slip 100 to facilitate attachment of the brick slip 100 to the backing layer. in these examples, the overall thickness of the brick slip 100 is greater than the vertical separation between the front face 102 and the rear face 104. This is not required in all examples.

The brick slip 100 further comprises sides 106, 108, 110, 112 that extend between the front face 102 and the rear face 104. The first side 106 and second side 108 are opposing sides that extend along the Y-axis. The third side 110 and fourth side 112 are opposing sides that extend along the X--axis.

The first side 106 defines a tongue 114 that projects outwardly (along the X-axis) from the front face 102 such that the tongue 114 is not covered by the front face 102.

The tongue 114 facilitates the alignment of the brick slip 100 with one or more further brick slips in an adjacent slip course. The tongue 114 may abut against the further brick slip(s) or extend into a recess or recesses formed in the further brick slip( as described in greater detail below. This simplifies the posifioning of brick slips on a backing layer.

The tongue 114 is formed from a diffeient colour of material to the front face 102 such that the tongue 114 has a different visual appearance to the front face 102. In preferred examples, the front face 102 is coloured to resemble brick and the tongue 114 is coloured to resemble mortar. in use, the tongue 114 provides the visual effect of a line of mortar provided between adjacent brick slips 100. An installer or manufacturer of the brick slips 100 therefore does not need to manually apply mortar between brick slips 100 to achieve the desired visual effect. This greatly decreases the complexity of installing brick slips 100.

It is not required in all examples that the tongue 4 has a differen isual appearance to the front face 102 but this a preferred arrangement.

The tongue 114 extends substantially along the length (along the Y-axis) of the long edge 116 of the front face 102. The tongue 114 is inset from one of the short edges 118 of the front face 102 and extends past the other of the short edges 120 of the front face 102.

The tongue 114 is vertically offset (along the Z-axis) from the front face 102. In other words, the tongue 114 is positioned vertically below the front face 102. This helps mimic the effect of mortar applied between brick slips. The tongue 114 is vertically offset from the rear face 104 and, in this example, is provided spaced apart from the front face 102 and the rear face 104.

The second side 108 opposing the first side 106 defines a recess 122. The recess 122 extends inwardly such that the recess 122 is covered by the front face 102. The recess 122 is vertically offset from the front face 102 and the rear face 104 such that it is provided spaced apart from the front face 102 and the rear face 104 and is bounded by the front face 102 and the rear face 104. The recess 122 is a groove in this example. The recess 122 extends along the length (along the Y-axis) of the brick slip 100.The recess 122 is aligned with the tongue 114.

The depth of the recess 122 (along the X-axis) is less than the depth of the tongue 114 (along the X-axis). In other words, the tongue 114 projects outward by a greater amount than the recess 122 extends inward.

The third side 110 that is adjacent the first side 106 and the second side 108 defines a tongue 124. The tongue 124 projects outwardly (along the Y-axis) from the front face 102 such that the tongue 124 is not covered by the front face 102. The tongue 124 extends along the width (along the X-axis) of the short edge 120 of the brick slip 100. Like the tongue 114, the tongue 124 is formed from a different colour of material to the front face 102. The tongue 124 is coloured to resemble mortar.

The tongue 124 is vertically offset (along the Z-axis) from the front face 102. In other words, the tongue 124 is positioned vertically below the front face 102. This helps mimic the effect of mortar applied between brick slips. The tongue 124 is vertically offset from the rear face 104 and, in this example, is provided spaced apart from the front face 102 and the rear face 104.

The fourth side 112 that opposes the third side 108 defines a recess 126. The recess 126 extends inwardly such that the recess 126 is covered by the front face 102. The recess 126 is vertically offset from the front face 102 and the rear face 104 such that it is provided spaced apart from the front face 102 and the rear face 104 and is bounded by the front face 102 and the rear face 104. The recess 126 is a groove in this example. The recess 126 extends along the width (X-axis) of the short edge 118 of the brick slip 100. The recess 126 is aligned with the tongue 124.

The depth of the recess 126 (along the Y-axis) is less than the depth of the tongue 124 (along the Y-axis). In other words, the tongue 124 projects outward by a greater amount than the recess 162 extends inward.

In preferred examples, the brick slip 100 is arranged to engage with one or more further brick slips.

The tongue 114 is adapted to engage with a recess of a further brick slip. The recess of the further brick slip corresponds to the recess 122 formed in the second side 108 of the brick slip 100. This provides a convenient mechanism for locating brick slips together and ensuring brick slips are in proper alignment with one another. This makes it easier to achieve the desired visual effect from the brick slips (e.g., neat rows of bricks). The tongue 114 may interlock with the recess formed in the further brick slip to form an interlocking arrangement. As the tongue 114 projects outward by a greater amount than the recess 122 extends inward, the tongue 114 is not entirely covered by the front face of the further brick slip. Instead, part of the tongue 114 is still visible to create the desired visual effect of a line of mortar extending between adjacent brick slips.

The recess 122 is adapted to engage with a tongue of a further brick slip. The tongue of the further brick slip corresponds to the tongue 114 defined by the first side 106 of the brick slip 100. The recess 122 may interlock with the tongue formed in the further brick slip to form an interlocking arrangement.

The tongue 1241, adapted to engage with a recess of a further brick slip. The recess of the further brick slip corresponds to the recess 126 formed in the fourth side 112 of the brick slip 100. The tongue 124 may interlock with the recess formed in the further brick slip to form an interlocking arrangement. As the tongue 124 projects outward by a greater amount than the recess 126 extends inward, the tongue 124 is not entirely covered by the front face of the further brick slip. Instead, part of the tongue 124 is still visible to create the desired visual effect of a line of mortar extending between adjacent brick slips.

The brick slip 100 of Figure 1 therefore has tongues 114, 124 projecting outwards from adjacent sides 106, 110 and recesses 122, 126 formed in adjacent sides 108, 112. The brick slip 100 is adapted to engage with further brick slips by mating the tongue 114 and recess 122 with one or more brick slips positioned either side of the brick slip 100 in the X-axis direction and by mating the tongue 124 and recess126 with one or more brick slips positioned either side of the brick slip 100 in the Y-axis direction.

This enables the brick slip 100 to engage with brick slips provided in the same slip course and in adjacent slip courses. The tongues 114, 124 and recesses 122, 126 are able to interlock with the further brick slips to provide a secure attachment between brick slips.

In this example, the brick slip 100 has a thickness (along the Z-axis) of 25 mm. The brick slip 100 has an overall length (along the Y-axis) of 230 mm and an overall width (along the X-axis) of 80 mm.

The front face 102 in this example has a width (along the X-axis) of 65 mm. The tongue 114 therefore projects outwardly from the front face 102 by 15 mm.

The front face 102 in this example has a length (along the Y-axis) of 215 mm. The tongue 124 therefore projects outwardly from the front face 102 by 15 mm.

The tongues 114 and 124 are vertically offset (along the Z-axis) from the front face 102 by 6 mm. The tongues 114 and 124 are vertically offset from the rear face 104 by 7 mm The recess 122 extends inwardly (along the X-axis) by 5 mm. The front face 102 therefore overhangs the recess 122 by 5 mm. The recess 126 extends inwardly (along the Y-axis) by 5 mm. The front face 102 therefore overhangs the recess 126 by 5mm.

The recesses 122, 126 are vertically offset (along the Z-axis) from the front face by 6 mm. The recesses 122, 126 are vertically offset from the rear face 104 by 6 mm. The recesses 122, 126 is therefore slightly larger On the Z-direction) than the tongues 114, 124 which aids in the locating of tongues from other brick slips in the recesses 122, 126.

The brick slip 100 in the example of Figure 1 is manufactured from two separate parts. A first part 128 forrns the front face 102 of the brick slip.100. A second part 130 forms the remainder of the brick slip including the rear face 104 and tongues 114, 124. The second part can be considered as a backing member 130 onto which the front face 102 is mounted.

The first part 128 may be made from clay or another material and has a colour reminiscent of brick. The second part 130 may be made from clay and in particular clay having a colour reminiscent of mortar.

The first part 128 and the second part 130 may be separately extruded and then assembled together.

That is, the first part 128 may be attached to the second part 130 such as by bonding. The first part 128 and the second part 130 may be co-extruded together.

In other examples, the brick slip 100 may be made as one piece in a single extrusion process. The tongues 114, 124 may then be coloured to resemble mortar such as by being sprayed or painted.

Figures 2A-2C show another example brick slip 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure.

The brick slip 100 is similar to the brick slip 100 of Figures 1A-1C and like reference numerals are used to indicate like components. In this example, an underside of the first pad 128 comprises a series of saw tooth projections 202. The upper side of the second part 130 comprises a corresponding series of sawtooth recesses This sawtooth arrangement improves the mechanical piing and bonding of the first part 128 to the second part 130 Rear face 104 has the same dimensions as the front face 102 and is aligned wtth the ont face 102.

Figures 3A-3C show another example brick slip 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The brick slip 100 is similar to the brick slip 100 of Figures 1A-1C and like reference numerals are used to indicate like components. In this example, an underside of the front part 128 comprises a dovetail 302. The upper side of the second part 130 comprises a corresponding dovetail recess. The dovetail arrangement improves the mechanical coupling and bonding of the first part 128 to the second part 130.

Rear face 104 has the same dimensions as the front face 02 and is alkined with the102.

Figures 4A-4C show another example brick slip 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The brick slip 100 is similar to the brick slip 100 of Figures 1A-1C and like reference numerals are used to indicate like components.

In this example, the tongue 124 is not vertically offset from the rear face 104 and the recess 126 is not vertically offset from the rear face 104. An edge of the rear face 104 therefor forms part of the tongue 124.

Figures 5A-5C show another example brick slip 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The brick slip 100 is similar to the brick slip 100 of Figures 1A-1C and like reference numerals are used to indicate like components.

In this example, the first part 123 co pr es the front face 102 and rear face 104. The second part 130 comprises the tongues 114, 124.

The tongues 114, 124 (second part 130 in this example) may be formed separately to the remainder of the brick slip 100 (first part 128 in this example) and then bonded into place on the first pad 128 of the brick slip 100. The tongues 114, 124 may be formed by extruding clay. The tongues 114,124 may be coloured after extrusion such as before the clay is baked in the kiln or alter the clay is baked in the kiln.

In preferred examples, the brick slip 100 as described above in relation to Figures 1 to 5 is manufactured in an extrusion process which involves delivering material through at least one die. The at least one die defines the cross-section of the brick slip 100. After being delivered though the at least one die, the extruded material may be cut (along the X-axis) to form individual brick slips 100. The brick slips 100 may be subsequently kiln dried.

In some examples, separate extrusion processes are used to form different parts of the brick slips 100 which are then assembled together. For example, a first material may be delivered through a first die to form a first part of the brick slip 100 and a second material may be delivered through a second die to form a second part of the brick slip 100. The first part of the brick slip 100 comprises at east the front face 102 of the brick slip 100. The second part of the brick slip 100 comprises at least the tongue 114 of the brick slip 100. The first material and the second material may have different colours. Alternatively, the different colours of the first part and the second part may be introduced during the extrusion process.

Alternatively still, the first part or the second part may be coloured (e.g. by painting or spraying) after the extrusion process.

In preferred examples, a co-extrusion process is used to form the different parts of the brick slip 100 simultaneous. Advantageously, a co-extrusion process avoids the need to assemble together different parts of the brick slip after extrusion. This reduces the time of manufacture and is more efficient. In a co-extrusion process, the first material arid the second material are simultaneously delivered through a single to die to form the brick slip. The first material forms the first earl of the brick slip (at least the front face 102 of the brick slip 100) and the second material forms the second part of the brick slip (at least the tongue 114 of the brick slip 100). The first material and the second material may have different colours. Alternatively, the different colours of the first part and the second part may be introduced during the extrusion process. Alternatively still, the first part or the second part may be coloured (e.g. by painting or spraying) after the extrusion process.

Figures 6A and 6B show a plurality of brick slips 100 assembled together to form a brick slip assembly 600 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The brick slips 100 are mounted on a panel 602. The rear faces 104 of the brick slips 100 face towards the panel 602 and the front faces 102 of the brick slips 100 face away from the panel 602. The brick slip assembly comprises a number of rows (courses) of brick slips which are referred to as slip courses.

Tongues 114 of L. e brick slips 100 engage with recesses 122 of adjacent brick slips 100 such that the brick slips 100 interlock with one another.

The tongues 114, 124 project outward from the brick slips to a greater extent than the recesses 122, 126 project inwards such that part of the tongue 114, 124 after the brick slips 100 are assembled together. The visible parts of the tongue 114, 124 visually represent lines of mortar between adjacent brick slips 100.

In this example, clips 604 are used to fasten the brick slips 100 to the panel 602. Other attachments such as rails or an adhesive bond may also be used to fasten the brick shps 100 to the panel 602. The clips 604 in this example are Z-shaped and have an upper edge 606, a lower edge 608 and a wall 610 extending between the upper edge 606 and the lower edge 608. The upper edge 606 of the clip 604 rests in the recess 122 formed in the brick slip 100 and the lower edge 608 rests on the panel 602. The lower edge 608 has a through hole which may be used to affix the clip 604 to the panel 602 such as through use of a screw 612.

Figures 7A and 7B shows a plurality of brick slips 100 assembled together to form a brick slip assembly 600 according to aspects of the present disclosure. In this example, clips are not used to attach the brick slips 100 to the panel 602 Instead, the brick slips 100 comprise through holes 702 which are able to receive a screw for fixing the brick slip 100 to the panel 602 In the examples of Figures 6 and 7, the brick slip assemblies 600 may be installed on an inner or outer wail of a building for example. The tongues 114 of the brick slips 100 may point vertically upwards when installed or may point vertically downwards.

Various combinations of optional features have been described herein, and it will be appreciated that described features may be combined in any suitable combination. In particular, the features of any one example embodiment may be combined with features of any other embodiment, as appropriate, except where such combinations are mutually exclusive. Throughout this specification, the term "comprising" or "comprises" means including the component(s) specified but not to the exclusion of the presence of others.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A brick slip comprising a front face, a rear face vertically separated from the front face and sides extending between the front face and the rear face, wherein a first of the sides defines a tongue.
2. A brick slip as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tongue has a different colour to the front face.
3. A brick slip as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the tongue is vertically offset from the front face.
4. A brick slip as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the tongue is vertically offset from the rear face.
5. A brick slip as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the tongue is provided between the front face and the rear face.
6 A brick slip as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the tongue is adapted to engage a recess of a further brick slip.
7. A brick slip as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a second of the sides defines a recess.
8. A brick slip as claimed in claim 7, wherein the recess is vertically offset from the front lace.
9. A brick slip as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein the recess is vertically offset from the rear face.
10. A brick slip as claimed in any of claims 7 to 9. wherein the recess is bounded by the front face and the rear face.
11. A brick slip as claimed in any of claims 7 to 10, wherein the recess is adapted to engage a tongue of a further brick slip.
12. A brick slip as claimed in any of claims 7 to 11, wherein the depth of the recess is less an the depth of the tongue,
13. A brick slip as claimed in any of claims 7 to 12, wherein the second side opposes the first which defines the tongue.
14. A brick slip as claimed in claim 13, wherein the recess is aligned with the tongue.
15. A brick slip as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein third of the sides defines a tongue.
16. A brick slip as claimed in claim 15, wherein the third side is adjacent to the first side. is
17 A brick slip as claimed in claim 16, wherein a fourth of.e sides defines a recess.
18 A method of manufacturing a brick slip comprising: delivering material through at least one die to form a brick slip comprising a front face, a rear face vertically separated from the front face and sides extending between the front face and the rear face, wherein a first of the sides defines a tongue.
19 A method as claimed in claim 18, wherein delivering material through at least one die comprises: delivering a first material through a first die to form a first part of the brick slip, wherein the first part of the brick slip comprises at least the front face of the brick slip; and delivering a second material through a first die to form a second part of the brick slip, wherein the second part of the brick slip comprises at least the tongue.
20. A method as claimed in claim 19, further comprising attaching the first part of the brick slip to the second part of the brick slip.
21 A method as claimed in claim 18, wherein delivering material through at least one die comprises: simultaneous delivering a first material and a second material through a single die to form the brick slip, wherein the first material forms at least the front face of the brick slip and the second material forms at least the tongue of the brick slip.
22 A kit of pads comprising: a first brick slip comprising a front face, a rear face vertically separated from the front face and sides extending between the front face and the rear face, wherein a first of the sides defines a tongue; a second brick slip comprising a front face, a rear face vertically separated from the front face and sides extending between the front face and the rear face, wherein a second of the sides defines a recess, wherein the tongue of the first brick slip is arranged to engage with the recess of the second brick slip.
23 A brick slip assembly comprisino: a first brick slip comprising a tongue extending out from a first side of the first brick slip a second brick slip comprising a recess extending inward from a second side of the second brick slip, wherein the tongue of the first brick slip engages with the ecess of e second brick slip.
24 A brick slip assembly as claimed in claim 23, further comprising a backing layer, and wherein the first brick slip and the second brick slip are mounted on the backing layer such that the rear faces of the first and second brick slips face the backing layer.A method of manufacturing a brick slip assembly, the method comprises: engaging a tongue extending out from a first side of a first brick slip with a recess of a second brick slip, optionally wherein the method further comprises: engaging a recess extending inward from a second side of the first brick slip with a tongue extending out from a first side of a third brick slip.